Topic: Fly By Wire

A discussion on the dangers of "software arrogance" suggests that the Boeing 737 MAX issues stem from a belief that complex flight characteristics can be corrected solely through code. The trend toward autonomous aircraft and fly-by-wire systems is criticized for removing pilot agency. Comparisons are drawn to previous Airbus accidents and the Uber/Waymo self-driving car fatality in Arizona.

Analysis of the MS804 debris photos reveals pristine life vests alongside tattered clothing, leading to skepticism about the official recovery narrative. The hosts discuss the complexities of Airbus fly-by-wire systems and express concern that, like other recent aviation incidents, the full flight data and cockpit recordings may never be released to the public.

The hosts examine the transition to the NextGen air traffic control system, which relies on ADS-B transponders and increased computerization. Curry argues that removing human decision-making from the cockpit in favor of automated systems is a dangerous mistake. He predicts that software glitches and the unintended consequences of technology will eventually lead to fatal aviation accidents as computers take over separation and navigation tasks.

A military pilot compares the manual controls of the Boeing 707 to the fly-by-wire systems used by Airbus, expressing distrust in automated flight protections. Alternative theories regarding the Germanwings crash are mentioned, including potential magnetic interference from the Large Hadron Collider and a conspiracy involving an investigative team looking into banking fraud at the Vatican Bank and Mossad.

The hosts debate the theory that the Germanwings crash was a deliberate suicide by the co-pilot, arguing that the media and prosecutors have reached this conclusion without sufficient public data. They criticize the reliance on unnamed sources and the speed at which the "suicidal pilot" narrative was adopted. The discussion touches on the Airbus A320's automated systems and the lack of a second person on the flight deck.

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 continues with frequent media appearances by Sarah Bajc, the partner of a passenger on the plane. Bajc's use of technical jargon like "leverage of assets" has led to speculation that she may be an intelligence asset. Discussion also touches on theories that the Boeing 777's fly-by-wire system could have been taken over via remote control using classified patents.

The final report on the crash of Air France Flight 447 is criticized for blaming "pilot error" rather than technical failures in the Airbus fly-by-wire system. The discussion highlights the failure of pitot tubes and the confusing nature of computer-controlled flight systems. Concerns are also raised about the quality of Chinese-manufactured aircraft and industrial parts.

A segment from the Fox television show "Human Target" is critiqued for its extreme technical inaccuracies regarding aviation and computing. The scene depicts characters flying an Airbus upside down while attempting to "reboot" the flight computer using a laptop and a "skeleton key" USB stick. The hosts mock the premise that flight management software could be downloaded via Wi-Fi mid-flight.

John C. Dvorak describes his experience flying a Boeing 747 simulator at the NASA Ames Research Center. He compares the tactile feel of traditional cockpits to modern fly-by-wire joystick systems, noting he found the joystick easier to land. The anecdote includes a failed simulation of a 747 takeoff on an icy runway with a heavy crosswind.

The investigation into the Boeing 777 crash at Heathrow Airport focuses on the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary findings. The aircraft utilizes a fly-by-wire system where pilot inputs are processed by the Fully Authorized Digital Engine Controller (FADEC). While the media has praised the crew, technical questions remain regarding why the massive engines failed to respond to manual throttle commands during the final approach.